One year after a massacre in Maine, survivors and loved ones search for new beginnings

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Ben Dyer was shot five times during Maine’s deadliest mass shooting, when a gunman killed 18 people at a bowling alley and a bar.

A year later, Dyer and fiancée Keela Smith want to turn the worst day of their lives into the best.

As Lewiston prepares to mark the grim first anniversary Friday, Dyer and Smith are looking ahead to the second with hope. Dyer proposed to Smith this spring, bolstered by a new outlook on life and determined to not hold back. They’ve chosen Oct. 25 as next year’s wedding date, the same day as the shooting. They want to reclaim the day.

“So that we can always have it be a good reminder for us. Something that we don’t dread every year, and that doesn’t break our hearts every year,” Smith said. “Because it will be ‘Oh, that’s our wedding day. That’s the day that we took back, and we made it ours.’”

The couple, both 48, are among dozens of people directly affected by the shooting who are still trying to find ways to work through the physical and emotional trauma. For many, the anniversary is bringing back unwelcome memories.

“I have nightmares every day,” said Megan Vozzella, 39, whose husband Steve Vozzella was killed at Schemengees Bar & Grille. “I’m always going to have nightmares. As we get closer and closer, I don’t sleep well.”

Megan says her husband managed to crawl outside before he died. Thinking about him in pain and trying to hold on is what gives her the nightmares.

Vozzella, who is deaf, talks through a sign language interpreter. Her husband was one of four deaf people killed while playing cornhole at the bar. Megan went to the same school as three of them, and they all knew each other well.

Megan and Steve were two weeks away from celebrating their first wedding anniversary when Steve was killed. They'd met back in 2009 and got to know each other on a camping trip, something they continued to love doing together. They have a 13-year-old daughter, Bella. That night, Megan lost both her husband and a big part of her community.

“We thought we’d have a future, raising the family and growing old together. And they’re just all gone,” she said. “The world is upside-down.”

Lewiston is planning an anniversary ceremony Friday to honor the victims, survivors, first responders and others affected by the tragedy. The evening will include music, speeches and two moments of silence.

The shooting began just before 7 p.m. at the bowling alley, Just-In-Time Recreation. Armed with a semiautomatic rifle fitted with a scope and laser, Army reservist Robert Card killed eight people in 45 seconds. He then drove 4 miles to the bar, where he killed another 10 people. He later killed himself.

“We were just a group of people hanging out, doing something we love,” recalls Dyer, who was playing cornhole at the bar. “Eating snacks and food, having a couple of drinks, and throwing bags. And then, all hell broke loose.”

Dyer lay on the ground after being shot, trying to stanch the blood flowing from his right arm. He looked up to see Card staring at him. As the gunman took aim, Dyer raised his arms and ducked his head away, saving him from a fatal shot. He closed his eyes and tried not to breathe.

Dyer lost a finger and the use of his right arm. These days, he buys clothes that are a size too big so he can slide them on more easily with one hand. He's still figuring out how to cook and toss cornhole bags left-handed. Every time he looks at his scars in the shower or fumbles buttoning his shirt, he's reminded.

“I still live that day," he said. "But I’m alive.”

In the months before the shooting, both the Army and police failed to seize Card’s guns, despite knowing his mental health was unraveling and he was making ominous threats, an investigating commission found. About 100 survivors and relatives of the victims are now taking steps to sue the Army.

Since the shooting, Maine has strengthened its ‘yellow flag’ law and made other changes to gun laws. But it did not ban assault weapons like some advocates wanted.

The U.S. surgeon general in June declared gun violence a public health crisis. Dr. Vivek Murthy said Americans want to be able to go to school, the supermarket or their house of worship without worrying about getting killed. He called for a ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines for civilian use.

Dyer, who like many people living in rural Maine likes to hunt, said his experience hasn’t changed his views on guns.

“Your car can be a lethal weapon if you want it to be, if you drove it into a parade and mowed people down,” he said. “So, my take on guns is no different. I still own them, and I still buy them.”

As Dyer speaks on the deck of his Auburn home, the sound of gunshots can be heard in the woods beyond. Dyer said the volleys don't bother him, as they’re far away. In fact, he said, he’s excited to learn how to hunt again, this time using only his left arm.

Like Dyer, Vozzella doesn’t see guns as the problem, but instead blames failures in the mental health system. She remains angry at the police and military for not confiscating Card's guns before the massacre.

“They missed a lot of opportunities," she said.

Vozzella's daughter remains fearful of going to school, worried a shooter might show up. It’s been a rough year for both of them, Vozzella said, but they've found some solace by going on camping trips and spending time with family and friends.

Vozzella shows the arm tattoo she got soon after the shooting -- a heart with angel wings and the inscription: “In Loving Memory Stephen M Vozzella.”

“It’s never easier,” she said. “For the rest of my life, it’s not going to be easy to keep going. But I’m slowly moving on every day and finding my new normal.”

Associated Press journalists Rodrique Ngowi, Robert F. Bukaty, Patrick Whittle, David Sharp and Holly Ramer contributed to this report.

Megan Vozzella sits during an interview about her late husband, Stephen Vozzella, who was one of the people killed in a mass shooting on Oct. 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Oxford, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Lewiston mass shooting survivor Ben Dyer and fiancée Keela Smith show Dyer's injuries from the 2023 massacre and talk about their plans for the future on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2024 in Auburn, Maine. (AP Photo/Nick Perry)

FILE - Pictures of two of the victims of the October 2023 mass shooting by Army reservist Robert Card are seen at a makeshift memorial in Lewiston, Maine, in this Dec. 5, 2023 file photo. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

FILE - A woman visits a makeshift memorial outside Sparetime Bowling Alley, the site of a mass shooting, in this Oct. 28, 2023 file photo, in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

Lewiston mass shooting survivor Ben Dyer types on his phone while fiancée Keela Smith watches as they talk about the 2023 massacre and their plans for the future on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2024 in Auburn, Maine. (AP Photo/Nick Perry)

Lewiston mass shooting survivor Ben Dyer and fiancée Keela Smith show Dyer's injuries from the 2023 massacre and talk about their plans for the future on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2024 in Auburn, Maine. (AP Photo/Nick Perry)

Megan Vozzella uses sign language during an interview about her late husband, Stephen Vozzella, who was one of the people killed in a mass shooting on Oct. 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Oxford, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

FILE - A police officer gives an order to the public during a manhunt for Robert Card at a farm following two mass shootings, in this Oct. 27, 2023 file photo, in Lisbon, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

Megan Vozzella shows a tattoo she got in memory of her late husband, Stephen Vozzella, who was one of the people killed in a mass shooting on Oct. 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Oxford, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

FILE - Snow coats crosses at one of several memorials for the victims of last month's mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, in this Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 file photo. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

Lewiston mass shooting survivor Ben Dyer (right) and fiancée Keela Smith examine Dyer's injuries from the 2023 massacre and talk about their plans for the future on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2024 in Auburn, Maine. (AP Photo/Nick Perry)

FILE - Lindsay Marlow, facing camera, hugs Courtney Majoros, in this Oct. 28, 2023 file photo, at a vigil in Lisbon Falls, Maine, for the victims of recent mass shootings. Majoros' brother, Maxx Hathaway, was one of the people killed in separate shootings in nearby Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023 file photo, mourners sign "I love you" at a vigil for the victims of Wednesday's mass shootings at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, in Lewiston, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, files)

Megan Vozzella shows family photos during an interview about her late husband, Stephen Vozzella, who was one of the people killed in a mass shooting on Oct. 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Oxford, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Pro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here.

A full slate of games returns for Week 8 with several mismatches.

Six teams are favorites by at least seven points on BetMGM Sportsbook. Three of those are double-digit favorites.

Pro Picks took three of the underdogs to cover the spread.

Five games feature division rivals, including showdowns for first place in both the AFC and NFC South.

The Vikings and Rams kicked off the week on Thursday night with Los Angeles defeating Minnesota 30-20. The Giants and Steelers finish up on Monday night. The Cowboys and 49ers renew their rivalry on “Sunday Night Football” with both banged-up teams underachieving.

Line: Falcons minus 2 1/2

This matchup for the NFC South lost its luster when the Buccaneers lost their top two receivers. Chris Godwin is out for the season and Mike Evans could miss at least three games. Without them, Tampa Bay has to rely more on an improved rushing attack to avoid putting too much pressure on Baker Mayfield, who leads the NFL with 18 TD passes but has thrown five picks in the past two games. Kirk Cousins has plenty of playmakers, including Bijan Robinson, who has run for 198 yards the past two weeks and is averaging 4.7 yards per carry. The Falcons rallied for an overtime win over the Buccaneers in Week 5. They’ll take control of the division with another victory.

BEST BET: FALCONS: 27-20

Line: Bengals minus 2 1/2

Saquon Barkley’s addition has paid off for the Eagles. Jalen Hurts is making fewer mistakes and Philadelphia’s defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown in the past two games. The Bengals have a chance to even their record after a 1-4 start but they’ll need Joe Burrow and the playmakers on offense to produce more. Cincinnati has scored 38 points combined over the past two wins after averaging 35 over a three-game stretch.

UPSET SPECIAL: EAGLES: 24-23

Line: Ravens minus 8 1/2

Two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson is playing elite ball, Derrick Henry has been sensational and the Ravens are back after an 0-2 start. The Browns are turning to Jameis Winston after losing Deshaun Watson for the season. That’s an upgrade. Cleveland is playing for pride against a division rival, still has a tough defense and Baltimore is coming off a short week after a Monday night win. That’ll keep it closer than it should be.

RAVENS: 24-16

Line: Lions minus 11 1/2

Jared Goff has been exceptional, especially over the past three games. The Lions beat the Vikings on the road to reclaim the NFC North. With Super Bowl aspirations, Detroit isn’t looking back. The Titans are giving up the fewest yards per game (259.2), but the offense is next-to-last in yards and is averaging just 17.7 points. Mason Rudolph or Will Levis? Doesn’t matter.

LIONS: 27-14

Line: Dolphins minus 4 1/2

Tua Tagovailoa is expected to return after missing four games because of a concussion. The Dolphins desperately need him to boost an anemic offense that averaged 10 points per game during his absence. The Cardinals are coming off a Monday night win over the Chargers but Kyler Murray and the offense aren’t putting up enough points. Arizona’s banged-up defense has a tough task against Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and the rest of Miami’s offense that should be rejuvenated by Tagovailoa’s return.

DOLPHINS: 26-20

Line: Jets minus 7

Davante Adams’ arrival didn’t help Aaron Rodgers get on track. He’s looking more like a 40-year-old quarterback than a four-time MVP. The “soft” Patriots — that’s what coach Jerod Mayo called his team — should provide a cure for New York’s woes. The Jets already beat New England 24-3 in Week 3. But Drake Maye is starting for the Patriots now so they’ll be more competitive on offense. The teams are a combined 1-9 against the spread in their past five games.

JETS: 23-17

Line: Packers minus 4

The Jaguars are starting a stretch of games that will determine their season, facing four NFC teams that currently have a combined record of 19-4. Meanwhile, Jacksonville is just 5-23 in its past 28 games against non-conference opponents. Trevor Lawrence is coming off a mistake-free game and needs another to have a shot against the Packers. Tank Bigsby has run for 90-plus yards in three of Jacksonville’s past four games. Green Bay found a way to beat Houston last week despite three turnovers. If Jordan Love protects the ball — he is tied for an NFL-most eight picks — the Packers will have success.

PACKERS: 29-24

Line: Texans minus 5

The Texans are trying for just their second sweep of the Colts in this AFC South rivalry. C.J. Stroud is coming off his worst game of the season in Houston’s loss at Green Bay but the Texans can strengthen their hold on the division with another victory over Indianapolis. Anthony Richardson was shaky again in his return last week as the Colts won for the fourth time in five games since an 0-2 start. They’ll need more from Richardson in the passing game to have a chance in Houston.

TEXANS: 27-20

Line: Chargers minus 7 1/2

So much for the unstoppable Saints the league saw the first two weeks. The offense has struggled, Derek Carr and other key players have been sidelined and New Orleans has been blown out at home the past two games. Maybe a road trip to California will help. The Chargers won’t be in a good mood after a last-second loss in Arizona. Justin Herbert is coming off his best game but the offense isn’t finishing drives.

CHARGERS: 23-17

Line: Bills minus 3

Josh Allen hasn’t thrown an interception, the Bills have a comfortable lead in the AFC East and new addition Amari Cooper already made a big impact. Now Buffalo tries for its first win against a team that has a winning record. The Seahawks are back on track after losing three in a row. They’ve got the NFL’s top-ranked passing offense behind Geno Smith but likely won’t have DK Metcalf.

BILLS: 26-20

Line: Bears minus 2 1/2

Doesn’t look promising for the No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup. Caleb Williams and the Bears probably won’t face Jayden Daniels when they visit the Commanders. Daniels has a rib injury and veteran Marcus Mariota would start for Washington in place of the injured rookie QB. The Bears are rolling. Williams, a balanced offense and a strong defense have helped Chicago win three in a row. The Commanders have been a surprise team under first-year coach Dan Quinn thanks to Daniels, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s productive offense and a revamped defense. With Daniels, it’ll be a different game. Without him, the Bears have a big edge.

BEARS, 22-19

Line: Broncos minus 10

If Sean Payton gets Bo Nix and the offense on par with Denver’s defense, the Broncos will be a dangerous team in the AFC West. They’ve already come a long way. The Panthers are headed nowhere and could end up with the No. 1 overall pick again. Even worse, they haven’t found out if Bryce Young can be a franchise QB. Young made a cameo in last week’s lopsided loss and gets a chance to play this week because of Andy Dalton's thumb injury.

BRONCOS: 24-13

Line: Chiefs minus 9 1/2

The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (6-0) gave Patrick Mahomes a new playmaker, acquiring three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He provides another edge for Mahomes and his teammates, who will seek to avenge the Raiders’ nonsensical offseason trolling of the three-time Super Bowl MVP. Keep the Kermit puppets at home.

CHIEFS: 33-13

Line: 49ers minus 4

Micah Parsons could return to give Dallas a significant boost. The Cowboys are coming off a bye that gave them an extra week to think about a 38-point loss to Detroit. The banged-up 49ers keep losing players with Brandon Aiyuk out for the season. Brock Purdy has to avoid trying to do too much and rely on other playmakers around him. San Francisco has won the past three meetings, including two playoff games. Neither team is playing at a January level right now.

49ERS: 23-21

Line: Steelers minus 6

It should be a long night for Daniel Jones and the rest of New York’s offense against T.J. Watt and a defense that’s allowed just 14.4 points per game. On the other side, Russell Wilson follows up his impressive prime-time debut for the Steelers with a Monday night appearance. He’ll need to avoid Dexter Lawrence and continue distributing the ball efficiently.

STEELERS: 26-16

Last week: Straight up: 10-5. Against spread: 5-10.

Overall: Straight up: 72-35. Against spread: 57-48-2.

Prime-time: Straight up: 16-9. Against spread: 12-12-1.

Best Bet: Straight up: 5-2. Against spread: 5-2.

Upset Special: Straight up: 5-2. Against spread: 5-2.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) drops back to pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) passes against the New York Giants during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Mike Stewart )

Graphic shows NFL team matchups and predicts the winners in this week’s action.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to throw during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)